The 35th Tehran International Book Fair, underway in the Iranian capital, could help strengthen mutual ties with foreign participants and promote cultural diplomacy pursued by the Islamic Republic.

According to The Iran Project, Tehran International Book Fair is staged in Tehran in May on an annual basis. The first edition of the international cultural event was held in 1988 with 16 thousand titles of books on show.

The cultural event has turned into a landmark, momentous book fair in the Middle East and Asia after 34 editions.

Running under the slogan “Let’s Read and Create,” the 35th Tehran International Book Fair will continue until May 18 at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla.

The book fair comprises various sections including children and young adults, general publishers, educational publishers, academic publishers, foreign publishers, digital publishers, and the international section. 

The annual cultural event, which is the largest of its kind in Iran, is being held both physically and virtually. Visitors can explore physical stands at the Mosalla while also participating virtually through the official website ketab.ir. This dual approach allows for broader accessibility and engagement.

The fair covers a wide range of themes, including literature, history, philosophy, science, art, and children’s books.

Throughout the fair, renowned authors and intellectuals will participate in book signings, panel discussions, and talks. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for readers to interact with their favorite writers.

Millions of visitors visit the fair every year, including thousands of university students, scholars, and their families. The event currently serves as the most significant cultural event in Iran.

The cultural event currently serves as the most significant cultural event in the Islamic Republic.

The International section boasts a diverse selection of titles, primarily in English and Arabic. However, visitors can also explore books in Turkish, Russian, French, German, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Mehmet Burhan GENÇ, Chairman of the Board of Directors at TBYM - Turkish Press and Publishing Professional Association – has told reporters that “Eight Turkish publishers, supported by the Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, are showcasing about 500 titles in this pavilion. Seven other publishers have also participated in the fair independently.”

Noting that it was his second time in the book fair, he called it an influential event in the region. “However, it can expand its reach by attracting more international publishers. 

“I have attended book fairs in Bologna, Frankfort, Sharjah, and more. I see TIBF's unique appeal and believe it has the potential to become a major player on the global stage,” he stated.

On the collaboration between the publishers of the two nations, Burhan GENÇ said: “An ambitious project is underway to translate several books from Persian to Turkish and vice versa. I suppose 200 titles have so far been translated”.

Yemen is the special guest of this year’s edition. Other countries whose pavilions have been set up at the fair include, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Qatar, Lebanon, Pakistan, Mexico, and Venezuela among others. 

“Our participation in the book fair served as a stepping stone to establish a firm, consistent, and ongoing start towards cultural collaboration and broadening engagements in the realm of resistance culture, particularly in all aspects of Islamic resistance,” Abdurrahman Murad, the head of Yemen’s Book Organization, told reporters on the sidelines of the TIBF.

Murad highlighted Yemen’s rich history and its significant influence on Middle Eastern and Arab civilizations, as well as the nation’s longstanding cultural and commercial ties with Iran, which have been in place for millennia.

“The deep bond between the Yemeni and Iranian people is rooted in their shared Islamic faith, he said, adding that this bond is strengthened by their mutual reverence for the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Holy Quran, Imam Ali (AS), Imam Hasan (AS), and Imam Hussein (AS)."

In an interview with the Tehran Times, Elena Pavlova, the Public Relations Manager of the Russian Book Union, shared insights into Russia's participation in the fair.

Representing her country’s publications at the Russian Pavilion, she said, “We serve as the coordinator for the presence of Russian publishers and authors in the TIBF”.

When asked about collaboration on translations, Pavlova highlighted existing cooperation and emphasized their desire to further strengthen these ties.

“We're presenting works by contemporary Russian authors and hosting public sessions within our pavilion to introduce these books,” she said. “We're particularly heartened by the participation of Iranian translators and their enthusiasm for our works.”

Pavlova expressed her belief that the TIBF is one of the largest book fairs globally, exceeding many in Asia and Europe.

“Organizing this event for the 35th edition, the sheer number of books presented, and the enthusiastic crowds attending the fair are testaments to the Iranian people's love for books. I have no doubt the TIBF will continue to thrive for many years to come."

Kaiyun Ji, the Director of the Center for Iranian Studies at the Southwest University of China, believes that Many Chinese students are interested in learning Persian so that they can publish it in China because Farsi is an ocean of knowledge.

Other foreign attendees from Venezuela, Tajikistan, and Iraq have also expressed pleasure over their participation in the event, calling for the expansion of cultural ties with the Islamic Republic. 

On the 4th day of the TIBF, Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi visited the 35th edition of the international fair. 

Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, Iran's Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, and Yasser Ahmadvand, Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Chairman of TIBF accompanied Raeisi.

Reported by Tohid Mahmoudpour